Key facts
- Lawmakers are preparing to unveil a federal tax incentive proposal for the film and television industry.
- The proposed incentive could be combined with state credits, making US production locations more attractive.
- Joseph Chianese of Entertainment Partners believes shooting in the US would become the best deal globally if the proposal passes.
- The legislation, named The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act by Donald Trump, has bipartisan support.
- Concerns have been raised regarding the cost of the incentive and the use of federal subsidies.
- California voters are interested in increased state tax credits or incentives for the film industry.
Lawmakers are set to introduce a federal tax incentive proposal aimed at revitalizing the US film and television industry, a move that has garnered significant support from industry stakeholders. The legislation, dubbed The Motion Picture, Television, and Entertainment Revitalization Act by Donald Trump, is designed to make domestic production more competitive globally by allowing federal credits to be combined with existing state incentives.
Joseph Chianese, a senior vice president at Entertainment Partners, stated that if the proposal passes, filming in states like California, New York, Georgia, and New Jersey would become the most advantageous globally. The initiative traces its roots partly to 2025, with early drafting and coalition-building efforts led by Rep. Michelle Lujan Grisham, who co-founded the bipartisan Congressional American Film & TV Production Caucus with other supportive lawmakers. A hearing in March highlighted job losses attributed to runaway production.
The proposal has broad backing from entities such as the Motion Picture Association, various entertainment unions, and talent agencies. However, concerns about the financial cost and the principle of federal subsidies have been voiced. Rep. Rich McCormick (R-Ga.) expressed reservations about deficit spending, while still wanting to support Georgia's film industry. Recent polling indicates that California voters are also interested in increased state-level incentives to retain production within the state.